turn my headphones up...louder

I know it's been awhile, but since I just bought a new computer, I'm hoping to be more prolific in my writing. For now, I just wanted to jump back in and post the simplest thing I know how.

Honestly, I think 2011 has been one of the best music years in awhile. Usually I have to stretch to find 10 albums that could contend for album of the year rights in August. This year, I've had to make difficult decisions that will undoubtedly be made more difficult when the "marquee" releases of the year hit in the Fall (see: Drake).

So here they are, my top 10 of 2011 (so far):

Jay-Z and Kanye West - Watch The Throne

One of the best things about hip hop is that it can not only exist as a solo exercise of self-expression, a derisive battle of words and wit, but also as a collaborative piece of art and music. Although both Jay-Z and Kanye can't claim that this album is better than their respective solo efforts, they can claim the throne as the best album of the summer. This album screams summer, at least everything good about it - bbqs, day drinking, sunny drives, and most of all great times. From the Otis music video that forces you to grin from ear to ear, to the infectious throwback beats on Gotta Have It and Who Gon' Stop Me, Watch The Throne reminds us that sometimes life can be fucking great.

Foo Fighters - Wasting Light

I know it is cliche to say that a single album can save rock and roll, but I firmly believe that Wasting Light does that. There is a deep sense of authenticity, originality, of pure love and respect for music that permeates the entire album. Perhaps it is the fact that they recorded on tape instead of with pro-tools, or that they recorded the album on their own time, with their own team, or maybe it was the fact that in a sea of musicians looking for the easy single with the dance beats and the pop hooks, they just wanted to do what felt right in their hearts. And I'm glad they did.

Adele - 21

There is not much to say about Adele that hasn't already been said. So I'll just say the first three things that come to my mind when I think of this album: gorgeous, shockingly emotional, and absolutely perfect.

Alkaline Trio - Damnesia

The most important thing to know about Damnesia is that this isn't just an acoustic album. It is not a vehicle to re purpose old songs. The album should stand on its own as a reminder that this is a trio that writes amazing songs rooted in punk rock, drinking, and lost loves. It recaptures the raw, bitter honesty and the unparallelled imagery that can sometimes be lost in production. Matt Skiba's vocals have never sounded better and he definitely shows he is the personality of the band (see: Olde English 800), but it is Dan Andriano that steals the show with his classic Every Thug Needs A Lady. I think the strongest testament to this album is that it has made me want to listen to all the old albums. Here's hoping there will be a Damnesia Pt. 2.

Wiz Khalifa - Rolling Papers

Sometimes you find comfort in the most unlikely places. Rolling Papers is that album for me. Haters take notice, this is an album about pushing back, proving people wrong, taking a step back and celebrating all the work and the spoils that have come from it. It's an anthem for anyone who has ever had someone try to discredit and trivialize their passions. With a swagger and an attitude that reads "I don't give a fuck" Wiz Khalifa won't go down as the best rapper in history (or even come close) but he has created an extremely enjoyable album with a message that can be taken to heart. Fuck the haters, you'll be just fine.

The Joy Formidable - The Big Roar

There's a reason why Dave Grohl tweeted that The Joy Formidable wrote one of the best songs of the year with "Whirring". Beautifully intricate with haunting, stir-causing vocals, with the pop sensibility of Metric, The Big Roar is conceptually strong and deeply layered. This is an album to be played loudly, the type that would be best heard cutting through a dark, late summer night, where only you and the crickets can hum along. It's the kind of album that you don't want to share, you want to have it all to yourself, hear it in your own way, use it as your own soundtrack, or at the very least, let it sing you to sleep.

Lupe Fiasco - Lasers

Lasers is incredibly enjoyable. A bit uneven, with a couple misses (i.e. the awful State Run Radio), Lasers succeeds because of Lupe, and Lupe only. Extremely gifted and a true talent, he carries the album with his flows on Words I Never Said, Til I Get There, and The Show Goes On. MDMA and Trey Songz contribute good hooks, but at the end of the day, it is lines like "Wanna see a real change, look in your mind/Your brain look like Hemingway brother?/Overgrow, overload, broken soul" that prove that true lyricism is still alive.

Moving Mountains - Waves

The first time I heard this album I knew that this would become one of my favorites. Atmospheric, post-hardcore with similarities to Thrice, Circa Survive and Armor For Sleep - on paper this would be a no brainer. However my tastes had strayed away from the genre as of late and I didn't know how I would react. After the first song I knew that this was still where my heart lies. Beautiful and utterly personal, Waves is an album through and through. I could keep it on repeat for hours and never get tired of it. There are moments that are akin to Thrice's haunting "Beltsville Crucible", moments where you feel like your heart is screaming along even if your voice isn't. Thanks for reminding me of where my roots are.


Foster The People - Torches

I'm not a hipster. But I love this album. Catchy as hell, quirky and fun, no other way to describe it. If I danced, I would dance to this, it's just way to much fun.

The Weeknd - House Of Balloons / Thursday

Electro-indie R&B with Drake's stamp of approval, The Weeknd is an unlikely addition here. After releasing 2 mixtapes, I still love House of Balloons (more melodic, vocal-driven than Thursday),
but I do love both in their own way. Haunting to the point of chilling, melodic and intriguing at the same time, The Weeknd's best work is building an atmosphere of uncertainty and restlessness. You never know what is going to happen, and that's what makes it so interesting.

We Gon' Run This Town Tonight

A year ago, I would not have even listened to half of the albums listed below. I'm not sure what exactly changed, but whatever happened seems to be irreversible. My most played song this year was Jay-Z ft. Rihanna and Kanye West ("Run This Town"). I have beats by Dr. Dre, and I've been in 2 car accidents this year, both while Drake's EP/LP were in my stereo (not sure if that is a coincidence or not). Without over-philosophizing, I just think these were the best albums (for me) of 2010.



1. Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

So, I'm on Team Kanye. He's crazy, ridiculous, etc. But he is talented, a perfectionist, and he put out the best album of the year. All Of The Lights is as majestic and poignant as it is soulful and melodic. Blame Game is both beautiful and shocking at the same time, and forever quotable. Monster showcases 3 of the greatest rappers past, present, and future. But the real triumph in this album is that with all the guests and with all the samples, the album still illustrates the person that is Kanye West - all the dark, twisted, fantasy-ridden, and of course, beautiful parts of him.






2. Drake - Thank Me Later

If Kanye didn't come out this year, I would have deemed it the year of Drake. My most played album of the year, it was the album that made me decide to try out hip hop again. Over has to be one of the best single tracks on an album this year, the energy and the lyrics loudly introduce him to everyone that hadn't been listening. Thank Me Now is the greatest closing track on any album this year. Non-threatening, sweet and solemn, but always full of youth and fun, Drake kills it with this album. DRAKE - do right and kill everything.






3. LCD Soundsystem - This Is Happening

Doesn't LCD always seem to make it to the top? Pure enjoyment...the only thing that can really make things seem better. I wish it could always be LCD week on itunes. The best part about this album is it sounds like a party in my head, fun but still left with some melancholy. Where is Nancy Whang with that water bottle for me?








4. Circa Survive - Blue Sky Noise

Lending more towards an Anthony Green solo album with elements of Circa Survive, Blue Sky Noise solidified my love for both. One of the only anticipated albums that actually met or exceeded expectations. I Felt Free is probably the most radiant song I've heard all year. The only thing I regret is that I didn't see them live at all last year.








5. Los Campesinos! - Romance Is Boring

The problem with albums that come out in January is that it's hard to remember that they came out that year. But this Los Campesinos! album is hard to forget. Super catchy, irreverent, and unwittingly honest, Romance Is Boring is really just enjoyable. And, it helps that "There Are Listed Buildings" has one of my favorite lyrics in it: "We are but two atheists in love, you know, we gotta make our own luck."







6. Taylor Swift - Speak Now

And the biggest surprise on my list is probably Taylor Swift. Sometimes against all logic and anything explainable, you love something that you once (and still probably) hated. Sure, it's a country album with innocent lyrics that could be construed as too simple and uninspired, sung by an imperfect voice, but in spite of all of that, there is a charming, magical quality about Taylor Swift's album. Her voice is perfect for these songs, and I find myself wanting to play Speak Now on repeat...and I do.






7. Rihanna - Loud

If this was the year of Drake, it was also the summer and fall of Rihanna. And she deserves it! Loud is full of fun hits, introspective ballads, and a variety of songs that highlight her voice - innocent yet edgy, fun yet grounded. Her supporting acts get more attention, but songs like "What's My Name" and "Cheers (Drink To That)" are the reason why her album is one of my favorites.








8. Sleigh Bells - Treats

I wish I could write out the notes to the song intros and the sound efffects, because I hear them in my head all day, and that is what I love about them. I love that the songs are all over the place. I love that I can't seem to describe them properly in this post. The only way I can describe this is that if I made a movie, every character would walk in to a different song on this album. Personal theme music for all.







9. No Age - Everything In Between

This album almost didn't make it on the list on my first draft, but I realized that I couldn't leave it off. I don't even think I know any of the lyrics, but it doesn't really matter, I think I love it because I don't have to. Not really like any of the other albums on this list, it's a welcome break, something I can just listen to as music, if that makes any sense. Positive Amputation is my favorite one, it just feels right.







10. She & Him - Volume Two

I can still hear She & Him from their Hollywood Bowl performance in my head. How quiet the crowd was when Zooey sang, everyone just soaking in her voice, which was perfect. The album is almost just as warm and cute and quirky as that show, and soooo easy to listen to. They just edged out Kate Nash into the top 10 just because it's perfect for anytime of day...except when I'm angry and need to listen to Eminem. :)





And these didn't fit in my top 10, but are worth mentioning.

Honorable Mentions:
Kate Nash - My Best Friend Is You
Bruno Mars - Doo Wops & Hooligans
Kanye West - G.O.O.D. Fridays
B.O.B. - No Genre (Mixtape)
Hot Chip - One Life Stand
Jimmy Eat World - Invented

Please Keep In Sight What Makes You Care, You Have It Always

To preface this blog post, I wrote this months ago (after the Jimmy Eat World Clarity Tour) and I never posted it.

In high school, my sister and I had a clunky 3 disc CD changer that sat on the floor next to her bed. We would do homework in her room, her at her desk, me on her bed, and we'd listen to three CDs on a loop all night: one rotating disc, and the perennial staples: Foo Fighters - There's Nothing Left To Lose and Jimmy Eat World - Clarity. But this is about Clarity.

Clarity is perfect. The album is cohesive, imaginative, thought-provoking, emotional, distinct and beautiful. It's what a designer on Project Runway wishes their Bryant Park collection could be. Each piece (song) tells a story, references a distinct moment in your life and hits a different piece of your heart. There are the love songs, the songs about death and loss, the break up songs, the songs about the industry and the job - all filtered through the insecurity, vulnerability, and ambition of four young 20-something year olds wanting to play what was important to them and hoping to God that others would find it just as important.

A few months ago I was able to watch Jimmy Eat World play the album in its entirety. After 10 years, the songs meant something entirely different to me. I stood there listening to the album I'd heard hundreds of times and couldn't help but think about how different I was from that kid studying biology and calculus all night. I don't think that you can truly appreciate Clarity until you've gone through your own clarity. You can't understand "A Sunday" until you've felt your dreams fall apart and you're left with nothing except the memory of the promise you once had. You can't really know "For Me This Is Heaven" until you've felt so frustrated with the world, your own shortcomings, and outside pressures that you wonder if you will ever be happy and if that will ever be considered okay. And you really haven't listened to "Table For Glasses" until you've fallen in love and felt your heart ache because of how much you're using it. The themes are so universal, the songs so poignant, it's obvious why this album has had such staying power - it's the album of our every day - our growing up - our life.

It's been 10 years since the original release of Clarity - they will never make another album like it. And I can Live With That.

You Know I Need You, Just Like You Need Me

6:30-6:40-7:05-7:30

That's what I see every morning as I lie in bed, cloaked in disappointment. The soft glow of the morning sun contrasts sharply with the overcast gloom closeting my heart. Crest-fallen, I complain out loud to no one, powerless and weak, shutting off the alarm before I've decided to get out of bed, before I've realized I've made a huge mistake.

8:15-8:30-8:43-9:00

Ack, now there is no time, no choice, no other conclusion to be made. Back when gas was over $3 a gallon I might have been okay, but with the falling prices, came the rampant traffic that takes over every mile of the 405. The excruciatingly plodding stop and go of thousands of people ready to explode. I'm definitely going to be late.

*********

It wasn't always like this. Even after I moved to Torrance to make the 31 mile drive to Van Nuys, I was hardly ever late. I would sit in an hour and a half of traffic, inch slowly past the garden truck with palm trees hanging out the back, the glass truck with panels of glass resting on the side, the backpack-wearing motorcyclists weaving their way toward UCLA, and make it through somewhat awake to the office.

These days I'm perpetually tired and perpetually late. I'm constantly drinking Red Bulls at 10AM. My eyes are always burning from keeping my contacts on too long. I watch the clock at 6:30, not to anticipate the time to leave, but to count down to the time that everyone else leaves. It's the only time during the day that I can feel productive. I won't hear incredulous phone calls to vendors or website builders, I won't see closed door meetings with Ben Franklin, I won't hear awful music, or smell the distinct scent of bullshit through the intercom of my phone. It's the one time I can grasp some sense of control over the craziness of every day.

It's inevitable, the feeling of doom and dread toward waking up and making the trek to work at a job that never ends and always proves to yourself and the world that you're just not good enough to matter or make a difference. The only comfort comes from the people who are not only sane but amazing. The people that listen to you complain about everything, the people that share in your dismay, the people that encourage you and point out the truth, and the people that hate it more than you do. Because of you, I love it here.

We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real, they are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this America: They will be met. - US President Barack Obama

For as long as I can remember, pundits and politicians have complained about the apathy of the youth, the frivolity and ignorance of the average American, and the lack of motivation facing communities of color. They've wasted their money, pride, and dignity in their attempt to reach these people, and have failed time and time again. But with articulate passion, determination, and sense of purpose, President Barack Obama succeeded.

As I listened to President Obama deliver his inauguration speech, nothing, not even the rough asphalt of the 405, the persistent stop and go traffic, or the humming static of public radio could take me away from these words. Because these were my words, speaking with my voice, conveying my hopes and admitting my fears, while reassuring my doubts with an optimism I needed to believe in.

We remain a young nation, but...the time has come to set aside childish things.

Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less.

It has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things...who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.

But these are not really my words. I could never speak so powerfully or with such profound eloquence. I lack the skill to craft prose as beautifully as Obama can. My voice, though genuine and passionate, cannot carry through miles of people, cannot command a crowd to listen or even convince audiences to take my ideas seriously.

But I, like many in my generation, want to do great things. We went into life with big dreams and high ambitions. Life lent us a cruel blow - the ceiling was not as infinitely high as we were promised, society did not welcome us all with open arms, our talents were not all deemed equally important. Throughout our youth we were pushed toward dreams and fantasies, however at the edge of our future, our paths were suddenly diverted. We were encouraged to settle - settle for safety and comfort in 9-5 jobs that offered a salary but lacked the drive and passion we all craved.

I don't consider myself a risk-taker, but I've taken some risks. I've followed my passion amidst stark opposition. I have not taken any shortcuts and I will not settle for less. My mind is still wrought with childish things, and I hope to set those aside for good. But for now I can only promise that I will stay the course, for I am hopeful that the groundwork I lay here will lead to meaningful ends. Because my sense of purpose is strong, and my faith in my efforts is outstanding.

All this we can do. All this we will do.

So let us mark this day in remembrance of who we are and how far we traveled.

This is why I, and a generation like me, follow the words of President Obama. He understands our plight and identifies our drive for responsibility and ideals. He voices our stories to the world, never patronizing, because he has found the Hope that lives in our nation, the untapped potential within our borders. After all the hype we've heard of a bright future, after all the disappointment we've felt in our present outcomes, Obama fulfills our hunger and desire for someone, anyone, to understand our struggle, listen to our past, and believe that we will one day succeed in accomplishing our goal in life - to matter.

Yeah I Still Listen To Music...

Most of you know by now that I am a marketing person's dream. I am a promoter. When people use the term "word of mouth" they could be talking about my mouth - I can't help it, I love to tell people about things I like. I'm not self-centered enough to believe that my word is law or that my opinion matters in the slightest. It most definitely does not. With that, I listed my Top Albums of 2008. Here's hoping that maybe your curiousity might come into play, and you decide to check these albums out. Let me know if you want them and I will humbly oblige. :)



1. The Maine - Can't Stop, Won't Stop
They've put together a catchy, heart-warming, pop-punk record that has stayed in my car for the last 6 months. Youthful, engaging, and pleasantly sweet, songs like "Into Your Arms" and "I Must Be Dreaming" remind you that even with work, school, or outside drama, you'll always have friendship, love, and growing up.



2. The Subways - All Or Nothing
Just fucking awesome, an indie rock album that sounds more rock than indie. My favorite album to listen to when working - it has taken me away from the brink of a stress supernova (yeah I remember astronomy). Energetic, duel female/male vocals, and a good mix of upbeat and soothing melodies, I recommend to everyone.



3. The Kooks - Konk
Maybe my favorite indie rock band out there right now - The Kooks are perfect for driving, working, or just listening. They make everything feel like vacation, which is what we all need. What I love about them most is that they have a way of being bittersweet without being bitter, and optimistic without being unrealistic.



4. Polar Bear Club - Sometimes Things Just Disappear
If you close your eyes you almost think you are listening to an old Hot Water Music record. With the same gruff honesty and raw guitar riffs, Polar Bear Club channels everything that HWM did, but infuse originality and self-reflection. The best punk rock record of the year - they make you remember why you fell in love with the genre in the first place.



5. Underoath - Lost In The Sound Of Separation
Underoath has consistently put out amazing albums, one after another, and have been the only band that has managed to progress and grow with each release without losing what makes us love them in the first place. While others have gotten harder or softer, Underoath has just gotten better. Intense but beautiful, raw but intricate, this release redeems hardcore for the year.


6. Good Old War - Only Way To Be Alone
This album came out of nowhere for me, I listened to it on a whim and it became a part of my life. If my life was made into an indie rock movie I'd want this album to be my soundtrack. My favorite acoustic album of the year, the songs have a stunning innocence to them that make you believe that we will all be alright.



7. Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend
You might think they are overrated, but that's only because they have been featured EVERYWHERE. Truthfully, they came out with an amazingly catchy, danceable album for the hipsters. To their credit, Vampire Weekend has made an album that is interesting enough to catch your attention, yet familiar enough to want to listen again and again.



8. TV On The Radio - Dear Science
"Dancing Shoes" puts this album on the list. The extremely fun, infectious single, makes anyone who wasn't a fan before want to listen to the rest of the album. Overall the songs are great and you're happy you gave it a chance. I don't dance, but I might after listening to this album.



9. Valencia - We All Need A Reason To Believe
Most underrated album of the year. It's not as good as This Could Be A Possibility, but it may mean more. A throwback to pop punk before it became obsessed with dance beats and remixes. It's what Jack's Mannequin wishes they did with their new album.




10. Santogold - Santogold
Love her. I don't get tired of listening to this album. Even when some people play one song over and over and disregard the rest, I still have a desire to play the whole thing. Woot to female singers!



Honorable Mentions (these are too good to not put down...even if they are not in my Top 10)

The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound
The Sound of Animals Fighting - The Ocean And The Sun
Death Cab For Cutie - Narrow Stairs
Sigur Ros - med sud i eyrum vid spilum endalaust
Bloc Party - Intimacy
Calexico - Carried To Dust
Paramore - The Final Riot (live)
The Raconteurs - Consolers of the Lonely
Foals - Antidotes
Gnarls Barkley - The Odd Couple

hello

I guess since this is the first post I should do some sort of introduction. But I think that I am just going to go with an honest admission. I don't know what the purpose of this blog is - it might be a place to ramble through emotional accounts of every day life. At times it might be a bunch of meaningless opinions about current obsessions (i.e. music, movies, literature). But hopefully it will strive to be a catalyst for innovative self expression and creativity. Maybe, if this works out, I will write that book someday.